The Internet is changing all areas of society – from the economy and education to questions of e-government.

160

Number

billion euro higher gross domestic product by 2030: According to a study conducted by the management consultants McKinsey, the resolute use of smart robots and self-learning computers could increase Germany’s gross domestic product by 160 billion euros by 2030.

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EXIST In the form of three programmes EXIST, the funding scheme launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), is aiming to improve the start-up climate at higher education institutes and non-university research institutions. As such, in comparison with other countries Germany has put excellent basic conditions in place for the seed stage. A novelty: Since 2015 EXIST funding has also been open to young technology-oriented Israeli academics who wish to found a start-up in Berlin.

Germany is one of the most sustainable industrial countries. Companies are committing to their social responsibility.

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Corporate tax rates

Since the mid-1990s there has been an international trend towards falling ­corporate tax rates. Germany has long since not been among the high-tax countries. In comparison with ­other countries, if anything, it even has below-average tax and welfare contribution levels. The average overall tax burden for companies is less than 30 percent. On account of the locally variable trade tax rate, in some regions in Germany it is below 23 percent.

The German labour market features high employment levels and a low unemployment rate. The dual training system is an export success story.

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Largest company

Volkswagen, 642,300 employees

Biggest bank

Deutsche Bank, 97,535 employees

Most important stock market index

Deutscher Aktienindex (DAX)

Largest trade fair grounds

Hanover

Biggest aircraft manufacturer

Airbus, Hamburg

714

Number

Internet service providers and other organisations are linked up to DE-CIX. In terms of data throughput, the Internet hub in Frankfurt am Main is the largest in the world. In 2017 data throughput reached the 6-Terabit- per-second mark for the first time. In addition to the Frankfurt hub, DE-CIX operates further Internet hubs in ­Europe, the Middle East, North America, and India.

German business is now in the middle of the fourth industrial revolution. The Federal Government is driving the digital transition.

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Make it in Germany - The official online portal for international skilled workers supports people interested in moving to Germany from their arrival to their job search. Experts are also on hand to offer individual advice on visas, recognition of qualifications, and living in Germany – via e-mail, hotline or online chat. Moreover, the portal provides information on the benefits of a training or study programme in Germany in German, English, French, and Spanish.

The goal of the European Union’s Baltic Sea Strategy is to achieve economic growth, prosperity for the region’s people, and protect the environment. Once a year representatives of the states around the Baltic meet and this year Germany’s foreign office was the host.